Chocolate Week Bartender Competition raises $5000 for Taste of Southern Ocean Hunger Relief

Feb. 24, 2012 - PRLog -- The Second Annual Chocolate Week Bartender’s Competition was a showcase event organized by LBI Region Destination Marketing Organization; which is the tourism marketing arm of the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce. The evening was to promote the popular February tourism initiative “Chocolate Week” while raising money and awareness for the April 25 Taste of Southern Ocean Hunger Relief Dinner which will be held at Sea Oaks Country Club Almost doubling the money raised from last year’s event TGIFriday’s will present a check to  the Southern Ocean County Community Foundation's during their 17th Annual hunger relief dinner which directly raises money for  seven food pantries located in Waretown, Barnegat, Stafford Township, Long Beach Island and Tuckerton.

The festivities took place on February 16 at  TGIFriday’s in Manahawkin with Nina Siciliano, Tom Devoy and AJ Colantoni warming up with their proven mixologist experience.  The main event had favorite Friday’s bartenders Matt Alfano, Krista Carter, Mario Porres, Shawn Kensler, Sari Torres and Angel Roman dazzling a packed crowd with their flair and panache as they mix their signature drinks. All drinks went up  for auction with other prizes; while local judges including ,Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce President Christopher Schwab, Southern Ocean County Community Foundation President and Taste Dinner Chair Dan Taylor and LBI Region Destination Marketing Director Lori Pepenella discussed points and techniques. “We are so thankful for Friday and those who attended that night and to our high bidders for making it the huge success that it was.So many in our community will benefit from this donation; Fridays has shown they are a true member of our community” stated Taylor.

After tallying the votes, the winner of the evening was Angel Roman, whose drink prize package happened to raise an impressive $2500 for the charity. Friday’s Manager Tina Nelson commented “It was the best bar comp as far as raising money I have seen. We all had a blast. Thank you to all of the local business's that donated gift certificates for such a great cause. We can't wait to do it bigger and better next year.” Special thanks to for Death By Chocolate cupcakes donated by Moesters. Pretzels donated by Philly Pretzel factory both located in Manahawkin for which were sold during the event and to Forked River House (FO HO) and B98.5FM for additional support with this event.

For more information about this year’s Taste of Southern Ocean County Hunger Relief Dinner held April 25 at Sea Oaks Country Club which is themed “Boardwalk Dynasty” A Culinary Tribute to 1920s Atlantic City contact the Southern Ocean County Chamber of  Commerce at 609 494 7211. To find out more about local bartender competition’s
Become a fan of TGI Fridays Manahawkin on facebook to see what they have going on all year.

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